Staples
Stargazing Guide.
Just 17.5 miles from the center of Staples, lies some of the region's best viewing at Meadow Parking Lot, Ward Pound Ridge Reservation. We feature instrumented readings from Concord Bridge to guarantee the most accurate sky quality data.
Stargazing Logistics for Staples
- STEP 1. Primary Staging Area: Meadow Parking Lot, Ward Pound Ridge Reservation. This is your most reliable community-vetted hub within a ~17.5 mile radius.
- STEP 2. Sky Quality Baseline: Classified as Class C (Suburban). Use the instrumented 5 rating from Concord Bridge as your technical benchmark for the region.
- STEP 3. Local Support: Contact Westport Astronomical Society for updated site access and group observation schedules.
- STEP 4. Observation Density: There are 5 recognized sites near Staples offering varied horizons and atmospheric stability levels.
Staples is positioned in a strategic 'Starlight Corridor.' It is far enough from the CT metro glare to allow for deep-sky imaging, yet serves as a convenient staging area for the deeper Class 5 skies found at Concord Bridge.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Staples
For the best experience, target the late-night window between 1 AM and 4 AM in Staples. This is when local industrial lighting and residential 'sky glow' is at its minimum, and the most prominent Winter constellations are directly overhead at the zenith.
Expert Tips for Staples Observers
Don't underestimate the power of peripheral vision (averted vision). At sites near Staples, looking slightly to the side of a faint nebula will reveal much more detail than looking directly at it, especially when dealing with the Class 5+ suburban skies of the CT region. Scientific Context: While local conditions vary, the instrumented reading of Bortle 5 at Concord Bridge (136.6 miles away) remains the benchmark for regional sky quality.
Best Spots for Stargazing in Staples
The most accessible and reliable viewing locations in the region, ranked by local observer feedback. Pro Tip: Always bring a red-light flashlight to these Staples spots to preserve your night vision.
Meadow Parking Lot, Ward Pound Ridge Reservation
" Heading out from Staples toward this location will reward you with steady horizons. Night Vision Tip: Red light is the only color that won't break your dark adaptation. Invest in a red headlamp for hands-free navigation. "
John J. McCarthy Observatory
" A manageable drive from Staples, this spot is a reliable regional favorite. Observation Hack: Use a planisphere or a printed star chart under a red light instead of a digital app for the most authentic experience. "
Old Westbury Gardens
" Heading out from Staples toward this location will reward you with steady horizons. Sky Contrast Tip: To see the Milky Way, wait for the Moon to go below the horizon; even a 25% crescent Moon can wash out the faintest nebulae. "
Carl Schurz Park
" Heading out from Staples toward this location will reward you with steady horizons. Night Vision Tip: Red light is the only color that won't break your dark adaptation. Invest in a red headlamp for hands-free navigation. "
The High Line
" While it's a bit of a journey from Staples, the sky quality here is worth the fuel. Meteor Watching Tip: Don't look at one spot; keep your eyes moving across the sky. Your peripheral vision is more sensitive to motion. "
2026 Celestial Roadmap for Staples
Urban viewing is best for high-contrast targets. Head to Meadow Parking Lot, Ward Pound Ridge Reservation to escape local glare.
Sky Quality Reports for Staples
Access high-precision SQM readings from the National Park Service, providing the definitive baseline for regional darkness quality. Seeing the faint magnitude targets listed in these NPS readings often requires the specific gear we've staged for Staples nights in our observer field kit.
Concord Bridge
Minute Man NHP
Local Relevance
For observers in Staples, Concord Bridge serves as the definitive baseline for high-altitude transparency and localized skyglow data.
"Fog in field lowland, possibly some patchy fog. Bright site"
Jockey Hollow
Morristown NHS
Local Relevance
Staples enthusiasts typically use the instrumented readings from Jockey Hollow to calibrate their deep-sky expectations for the area.
"Site next to Wick House in a field north of the orchard. Seeing very good, transparency fair. Very humid, dew on the grass. No part of the sky is dark, a gradient of sky brightness from horizon to zenith. The sky is grayish white, near the NYC and Newark light dome some peach color seen. Very bright near the horizon, which is actually at least 10 degrees above the true horizon. The site is in a "hollow" and has tall trees all around, so the brightest parts of light domes are masked. No distinct "domes" are seen, the sky is bright all around except toward the west, which looks dark by comparison."
Dark Sky Oasis near Staples
Elite viewing locations officially recognized by DarkSky International for their pristine celestial environments. Planning a trip to a nearby Dark Sky Park? Ensure your kit is ready by viewing our staged observer advice below.
Cherry Springs State Park
The protected skies at Cherry Springs State Park represent a vital astronomical asset for the Staples observing community.
Pennsylvania, USA
AMC Maine Woods
As one of the closest certified environments to Staples, AMC Maine Woods offers a rare window into the true depth of the Milky Way.
Maine, U.S.A. More info
Astronomy Clubs for Staples
Join the local community of observers for group viewing events, equipment swaps, and technical workshops. Local astronomy clubs are great for testing gear; see what we suggest for Staples residents to bring to your first meet-up.
Gearing Up for Staples Nights
"Staging for a night near Staples requires a balance of power and portability. Consider 10x50 binoculars as a primary scouting tool while your main telescope acclimates to the cooler rural air."
The Staples Field Kit
When observing near Staples, the local atmospheric stability and the immediate access to verified hubs are your primary logistical factors. The difference between the Staples city center and the instrumented readings at sites 18 miles away is staggering, requiring optics that can handle both glare and deep contrast. We've curated a specific progression of gear—from entry-level comfort to dedicated imaging hubs—to help you maximize every clear night.